Colon, << KOH luhn, >> is a part of the large intestine. This muscular tube carries chyme (partially digested food) from the cecum (the first part of the large intestine) to the rectum (the last part). The colon is divided into four sections. The ascending colon extends upward on the right side of the abdominal cavity. It joins the transverse colon, which extends across the cavity to the opposite side. This section meets the descending colon, which passes down the left side and joins the S-shaped sigmoid colon. In human beings, the colon is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. It removes water and mineral salts from the chyme. Its strong muscles contract and relax and so push the residue toward the rectum. Mucus that covers the colon’s inner surfaces lubricates them and eases the passage of chyme.
